YOUNG RURAL AMBASSADOR

The Cairns Show Young Rural Ambassador (YRA) Award highlights the importance of youth involvement in rural industries and agricultural shows.

This award recognises and encourages the next generation of leaders – young people who demonstrate commitment to rural industries and a genuine interest in their local agricultural show movement.

The program identifies young individuals who are passionate about agriculture, community, and the future of regional Australia.

 

Awards

Prizes are non-transferable and subject to change.

🥇 1st Prize

• $200 cash

• trophy

• YRA shirt

• Cairns Show Showtime Membership

🥈 2nd Prize

• $100 cash

• Cairns Show Showtime Membership

 

Key Dates

Entries close: Monday 16 March
Finalist interviews: via Teams (TBC)
Awards Presentation Night: Friday 27 March
Location: Bungalow Hotel

 

Who Can Enter?

The Award is open to persons born in Australia or naturalised Australians permanently residing in Queensland.

Entrants must:

• be permanent residents of Australia

• have lived in Queensland for at least three months prior to nomination

• be aged 16 to under 19 years as at 1 July in the year of competition

• be male or female

Immediate family members of Cairns Show Association committee or staff may enter provided they:

• declare any pecuniary interest; and

• are not involved in discussions regarding results

Previous Young Rural Ambassador winners are not eligible to re-enter but are encouraged to enter the Rural Ambassador Awards.

 

Attributes of a Suitable Candidate

Judges look for entrants who demonstrate:

• interest and skills in agriculture

• community involvement

• enthusiasm and contribution to agricultural shows

• leadership potential and new ideas

• knowledge of local and rural issues

• clear future goals

• strong communication skills

• willingness to assist on a rural sub-committee

• potential for long-term involvement in the Show movement

 

Entry Requirements

Entrants must submit:

• Young Rural Ambassador Entry Form

• Entrant Questionnaire

• recent high-resolution photograph

• cover letter

• 2-minute video introducing yourself and explaining why you would like to be selected

Your video will be shared on the Cairns Show Facebook page and forms part of the judging process. Please ensure good sound quality and minimal background noise.

Please email all materials to: [email protected]

 

Selection Process

Finalists will undertake a formal interview via Teams on a date to be advised.

Winners will be announced at the Awards Presentation Ceremony, where finalists will give a short on-stage presentation about themselves and why they entered.

 

Judging Criteria

Entrants will be assessed on:

• Agricultural Show involvement

• Community involvement

• Rural knowledge

• Personality and presentation

• Ambitions and goals

• Communication skills

• Style, grooming, and deportment

• Public presentation

Judging is based on:

• questionnaire

• video presentation

• formal interview

• on-stage presentation

 

Responsibilities of the Winner

The Young Rural Ambassador will:

• represent the Cairns Show Association and local community

• assist at the Cairns Show (judging or stewarding roles may be offered)

• act as a public ambassador for the Show

• attend at least the Friday of the Cairns Show (flexible with school/work commitments)

• accept invitations where possible

• participate in the QCAS Next Generation Committee

• uphold the reputation of the awards and Show movement

 

Dress Code

As a Young Rural Ambassador, you represent the Cairns Show Association.

During the Cairns Show

• YRA shirt

• skirt, jeans, or pants

• sensible footwear

• sun-safe headwear

• optional coat or school blazer

Show Ring

• dress pants/jeans

• shirt with tie or scarf

The Cairns Show Association recognises school and work commitments and aims to ensure participation does not impact education or employment. This program is designed to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.